EDEM626-21W (D) Whole Year 2021 (Distance)

Implementing Computational Thinking in the Curriculum

30 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 22 February 2021
End Date: Sunday, 14 November 2021
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 21 March 2021
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Friday, 27 August 2021

Description

The Technological area of Computational Thinking was introduced to the New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa for primary and secondary schools and kura in 2018. This course is designed to equip participants to teach relevant Computational Thinking topics to students in schools and kura, from primary school to NCEA. Each of the main topics will be critically examined in terms of pedagogical and subject knowledge while at the same time developing teachers' understanding of theoretical perspectives of Computational Thinking. Participants will develop through investigating theories and practices in Digital Technologies education and industry. A key component is an individual research project to develop, implement and critically evaluate a resource to develop students’ computational thinking. The course does not cover teaching of computer programming or learning to program a computer.

EDEM626 supports you in your practice, learning online alongside a national cohort, completing in-depth professional learning and development. We offer two papers in alternating years; this year the focus is on the concepts in Computational Thinking other than programming; in alternating years we offer EDEM665 which is on how to teach programming. Flexible learning in this course includes online study in Learn (the UC Learning Management System,) and an intensive workshop, which will be offered online. The design of the course is adapted to the community of learners who enrol to enable the formation of a learning community.  All assignments are submitted and returned electronically via the Learn LMS course site. The course is to facilitate part time study by teachers in New Zealand’s primary and secondary schools, and students will normally undertake the assigned work within their teaching responsibilities. Assessments and other activities are authentic and negotiated to fit each student’s context.

It is suitable for both primary and secondary teachers; at NCEA level teachers can focus on the computer science achievement standards, whereas those teaching students in years 1 to 10 can focus on the CTDT progress outcomes (except programming). As well as exploring how to teach these ideas, you'll explore the kaupapa in more detail, seeing how it fits on the world stage, and understanding why these particular topics appear in the curriculum.

The course is spread across the year (March to October) so that you can manage your workload by working around peak times in your teaching year; meeting times are chosen as much as possible to suit the availability of class members. If you take both courses they are sufficient to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, or can be part of a Postgraduate Diploma in Education or Master of Education. You can earn the whole qualification (PGCert in Education) in under two years.

In the past, we have offered an on-site intensive workshop, which has typically been held during the Easter holidays, but in 2021 (due to the current circumstances), we have decided to replace this with a series of fortnightly compulsory sessions that will be held throughout the year. These sessions will be scheduled on a weekday that is to be decided in consultation with this year’s cohort.

If students are able to, they are encouraged to attend the DTHM4Kaiako event in Christchurch (21-23 April), which covers topics relevant to the course. More details will be provided when the course commences.

We are pleased to announce that we are offering a limited number of Scholarships this year valued at $1000 toward course enrolment. Enquiries about enrolment and scholarship should be directed to Cheryl Brown . Applications will close the end of January.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the Computational Thinking for Digital Technologies Progress Outcomes in the Digital Technologies | Hangarau Matihiko curriculum content, and explain relationships with the discipline of computer science.
2. Analyse and critique the literature on effective pedagogical approaches and relevant learning theories for teaching computer science at a school level.
3. Design, implement and evaluate approaches that support teaching Computational Thinking topics.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the implications of inclusivity and equity around teaching Computational Thinking.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:

Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award

Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.

Employable, innovative and enterprising

Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.

Prerequisites

Subject to approval of the Head of School.

Course Coordinator / Lecturer

Kathryn MacCallum

Lecturer

Tim Bell

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Portfolio and Participation 28 Jul 2021 60%
Mini research project and presentation 18 Oct 2021 40%

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,905.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

Minimum enrolments

This course will not be offered if fewer than 10 people apply to enrol.

For further information see School of Educational Studies and Leadership .

All EDEM626 Occurrences

  • EDEM626-21W (D) Whole Year 2021 (Distance)